The United Arab Emirates has announced it approved the emergency use for healthcare workers of a coronavirus vaccine still in the final phase of human trials, AFP reports.

“The vaccine will be available to our first line of defence heroes who are at the highest risk of contracting the virus,” tweeted the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) on Monday.

Chinese drug giant Sinopharm began the third phase of trials for a Covid-19 vaccine in the UAE in July, with Emirati officials saying the results have been positive.

“Clinical trials for the third phase are continuing under the strict supervision of medical teams, while following all measures to control the quality, safety and efficacy of the vaccine,” said NCEMA.

“The results of clinical trials in our country are moving on the right path, with all tests being successful so far.” NCEMA said the vaccine has been tested on 31,000 volunteers and only “mild and expected” side effects have been reported, adding that 1,000 test subjects with chronic diseases showed “no complications”.